Texas Instruments MSP430F6736AIPNR

Overview

MSP430F6736AIPNR from Texas Instruments is an ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller designed for precision energy metering applications. It integrates three 24-bit sigma-delta ADCs, a 10-bit 200-ksps ADC, LCD driver supporting up to 320 segments, and four enhanced USCI modules (three UART/IrDA/SPI and one I²C). Its 128 KB Flash, 8 KB RAM, and LQFP-80 package support single-phase electronic watt-hour meter designs requiring high accuracy, long battery life, and integrated display control.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430F6736AIPNR datasheet, MSP430F6736AIPNR pinout, MSP430F6736AIPNR application, or MSP430F6736AIPNR equivalent, key selection criteria include its triple 24-bit SD24_B ADC architecture, auxiliary supply subsystem for RTC backup, low-power RTC operation at 1.24 µA (LPM3.5), and 80-pin LQFP package with 52 GPIOs - all critical for utility-grade metering firmware validation and hardware layout.

Technical Context

The MSP430F6736AIPNR implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with CPUXV2 core, unified clock system featuring FLL stabilization, VLO/REFO/XT1 sources, and programmable LDO for core voltage regulation. Its peripheral set is architected around metrology-grade signal acquisition: three independent SD24_B converters each support differential PGA inputs with internal gain calibration, while the 10-bit ADC provides temperature sensing and auxiliary channel monitoring.

Power management includes five low-power modes (LPM0–LPM4.5) with sub-µA shutdown (0.78 µA in LPM4.5), fast 3-µs wake-up from LPM3, and dedicated backup subsystem (AUXVCCx rails, 32-kHz XT1, RTC, 4×16-bit backup RAM). The device uses mappable port pins (P1–P9, PJ) and supports JTAG/SBW debugging via dedicated test pins.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 80-pin LQFP (PN), 12 mm × 12 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad (not electrically connected). Pin 1 marked by dot; pin numbering follows standard counter-clockwise sequence.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar metrology microcontroller applications.

Compared with MSP430F6735AIPNR and MSP430F6726AIPNR, the MSP430F6736AIPNR uniquely delivers full three-channel 24-bit metrology + 8 KB RAM in the 80-pin LQFP package, making it the only option for Class 0.2 single-phase meters requiring neutral current measurement and extended data logging.

Availability

MSP430F6736AIPNR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for single-phase energy metering, utility grid edge sensing, and smart building submetering requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for MSP430F6736AIPNR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The MSP430F6736AIPNR belongs to TI's ultra-low-power mixed-signal MCU product line, engineered specifically for precision metrology applications demanding high-resolution ADCs, long battery life, and integrated display drivers in utility-grade electricity meters.

FAQ

What is the maximum sampling rate supported by the 24-bit sigma-delta ADCs in the MSP430F6736AIPNR?

The MSP430F6736AIPNR features three independent SD24_B modules, each capable of up to 256 kSPS aggregate throughput. However, for metrology-grade 24-bit resolution with PGA gain and filtering, the effective sampling rate is 8 kSPS per channel - sufficient for 16 samples per 50/60 Hz cycle with oversampling and decimation to achieve >100 dB SNR required for IEC 62053-21 compliance. This rate is fixed by the SD24_B module design and cannot be increased via firmware.

Does the MSP430F6736AIPNR support hardware-based AES encryption for secure firmware updates?

No, the MSP430F6736AIPNR does not include a hardware AES engine. Security relies on software-implemented cryptographic libraries and the device's password-protected JTAG/SBW interface and boot ROM bootloader. Secure firmware updates must use authenticated signatures verified in software before flashing; sensitive keys should be stored in protected flash sectors or backup RAM with write-protection enabled. For hardware crypto acceleration, TI recommends migrating to MSP432E4 or SimpleLink™ CC series devices.

How many LCD segments can the MSP430F6736AIPNR drive, and what mux configurations are supported?

The MSP430F6736AIPNR's LCD_C module supports up to 320 segments in 8-mux mode, using COM0–COM7 and SEG0–SEG39 pins. It also supports 4-mux (160 segments), 2-mux (80 segments), and static (40 segments) configurations. Contrast is controlled digitally via the LCDCCTL0 register, eliminating need for external potentiometers. All segment outputs are driven from DVCC and tolerate up to 5.5 V for direct connection to common LCD glass types.

Can the MSP430F6736AIPNR operate from a single 3.3 V supply, or are separate analog/digital rails required?

The MSP430F6736AIPNR requires separate analog (AVCC/AVSS) and digital (DVCC/DVSS) supplies, both rated 1.8–3.6 V. AVCC must be decoupled with ≥10 µF low-ESR capacitor and filtered from DVCC using ferrite bead or RC network to maintain >90 dB PSRR for SD24_B ADCs. Operating AVCC and DVCC from the same 3.3 V rail is possible only with strict PCB layout isolation (separate ground planes, no shared traces) and additional analog filtering - not recommended for Class 0.2 metering designs.

What is the function of the AUXVCC1, AUXVCC2, and AUXVCC3 pins on the MSP430F6736AIPNR?

AUXVCC1, AUXVCC2, and AUXVCC3 are dedicated power inputs for the backup subsystem: AUXVCC1 supplies the RTC oscillator and calendar; AUXVCC2 powers the 4×16-bit backup RAM; AUXVCC3 feeds the auxiliary LDO for SD24_B reference circuitry. Each must be connected to a stable 1.8–3.6 V source (e.g., coin cell or supercapacitor) independent of main DVCC. These pins enable full RTC operation and data retention during main power loss - a mandatory feature for revenue-grade meters requiring outage logging.